TimberW's Endurance Companion - Race 4: forgot to save replay!

TimberW's Endurance Companion

Race 1: GVS 300km, Toyota MR2 G-Limited '97

After being inspired by Vash's endurance companion, I decided to write something up as detailed as what he wrote. This is my first attempt at competing on the endurance race. I'm not sure how it'll be like so I brought out my big gun. I did a 10 lap trial run first and that allowed me to do some last minute tuning. The tyres didn't seem to wear out evenly, so I adjusted the brake balance to 8/2.

This is all from memory as I forgotten to save the replay! doh!!

The Track:


Car:

Toyota MR2 G-Limited '97

Specs:
MR / 311BHP / 1039kg / 485PP / S3 / all aids off except ABS=1
[RLT-SW20-CS-XN.I]

Race Grid (as I can remember):
Silvia S15
GT-Four ST205
Impreza GC8
Fairlady Z34
MR2 GT-S
Skyline
RX7 FD

Lap 1-27:
I went for Sports soft right away, With the first set of tyres, I realised that this wouldn't be too bad. I was lapping a constant 2:12 per lap. So I was also driving in 'endurance' mode. Coasting longer, and easy on accelerating. However, I was braking hard to induce more wear on the front tyres so that the tyres are evenly wearing. I thought to myself, lets see how much punishment can the tyres take, since I'm putting on +2secs every checkpoint. So by lap 20, I was driving it hard. And when the car started to slide, the tyres wore out a lot quicker. By Lap 25, I lost control a bit but I decided to give it another couple of laps. I guess the out of control was a sign I needed to pit, as I spun out on Lap 26, and also Lap 27. So I decided to go and pit.

Lap 28-46:
This time, I paid more attention to the grip levels of the tyres. I drove hard and but kept the tyres gripping, not spinning and sliding as well as I could. I noticed that I can accelerate harder and the tyres would wear at the same rate as the fronts, as long as I'm not sliding. I can drive close to 100% all the time in this case, as long as I'm not sliding. Interesting I thought. I've run the endurance races last time with Sports Hard Tyres before, and it really couldn't cut it, at least for me. The MR layout slides too much, perhaps I didn't tune the car to accomodate Sport Hard tyres. I can't even drive the car properly with 1/2 threads remaining on Sports Hard. But using sports soft is feels 'more realistic' in the endurance race, with the grip levels decreasing at an acceptable and predictable rate.

Lap 47-60:
I pitted again, with Sports Soft and topped up 5 Liters of fuel. It makes me wonder, how much fuel can I put in so that the refueling takes the same time as the tyres being changed. If anyone has an idea, let me know! I clock a best lap of 2:08.055. This time I drove it hard and 100% all the time. I won the race by one lap with the RX7 FD being second.

Conclusion:
This is my first endurance race and nothing spectacular happen. But wait till you hear Race 2. I remembered to save the replay and will be doing a full report on that!

Race 2: GVS 300km, Toyota MR2 G-Limited '97

This is my second attempt at competing on the endurance race. As you can tell, I love the MR2. Here I am using a handling tuned MR2. The only Horsepower performance tune is the sports air filter. It's really interesting to see how it will be. And from reading other people's race report, I hope there isn't any NSX on the grid.

The Track:


Car:

Toyota MR2 G-Limited '97

Specs:
MR / 212BHP / 1220kg / 414PP / S3 / all aids off except ABS=1
[RLT-SW20-ID-KK.II]

Race Grid:
1. Subaru IMPREZA Sedan WRX STi Version VI '99
4WD / 281HP / 1270kg / 453PP / S3
2. Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X GSR P.P. '07
4WD / 281HP / 1540kg / 463PP / S3
3. Nissan Fairlady Z Roadster (Z33) '03
FR / 281HP / 1550kg / 433PP / S3
4. Honda NSX '97
MR / 281HP / 1350kg / 434PP / S3
5. Nissan 350Z Gran Turismo 4 Limited Edition (Z33) '05
FR / 301HP / 1440kg / 451PP / S3
6. Mazda éfini RX-7 Type RZ (FD) '96
FR / 266HP / 1250kg / 439PP / S3
7. Toyota MR2 G-Limited '97
MR / 212BHP / 1220kg / 414PP / S3
8. Nissan 300ZX 2by2 (Z32) '98
FR / 290HP / 1580kg / 427PP / S3
9. Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IV GSR '96
4WD / 278HP / 1350kg / 442PP / S3
10. Nissan Fairlady Z (Z34) '08
FR / 337HP / 1530kg / 462PP / S3
11. Honda NSX '01
MR / 281HP / 1340kg / 441PP /S3
12. Nissan SKYLINE GT-R V•spec (R33) '95
4WD / 334HP / 1540kg / 449PP / S3

Before the Race:
After the loading screen, I am tempted to reset the grid, I hope there wasn't any NSX, but low and behold there is 2 on the Grid! But I guess I might as well give it a shot to see how the 'near stock hp performance' MR2 can compete with the cars on the Grid.

Lap 1:
So I started the race. Rolling start. On the first long straight, I can already see the Z34 catching up. I thought to myself, wow, this car maybe really can't cut it at all. But at the corner '2', I noticed that I could overtake the few of the AIs and reached 3rd place. Maybe this isn't that bad at all. Though '3-5' I was behind the Evo X and thought to myself, I can do this. I tailed the Evo X and passed him on the Lap 2, on corner '2'. BUT, the Evo X tapped me and I spun out onto the sand. And I paused. And I did the "Taboo" thing and restarted the race!

Through the play from the one lap. I challenged myself to take on the race. And see how it will go. So I prepared myself for a 2 hour plus non-stop endurance race. One thing which I worry about is the tyre wear. Somehow, I always have an impression that the AI can use the tyres longer. With a car which didn't went for a diet, unlike Race 1, I might be really cutting it close.


Race 2: GVS 300km, Toyota MR2 G-Limited '97 - Take II

Lap 1 - Take 2!:
So, take 2 of the Endurance Challenge. On the rolling start, onto the first corner, I straight away dived in on Turn 2 and passed the RX7. Through the long S turns (Turn 3, 4, 5) I passed the 350Z. I kept up the pace and onto turn 6, I made another dive into the corner to pass the NSX '97. With that, I kept my pace and tailed the 350 Roadtser till turn 10 and passed the roadster.



Lap 2:
I did better on the first race before the restart, and I decided to be more patient and not repeat what happened on the first race, where I dived in and the EVO X tapped me. So I took a step back and followed the EVO X through the S-Turns. And at turn 6, I took the outside line and over took the EVO X on the exit.



Lap 3:
While I continued on the race, my next target on the poll position is the WRX. And at the same time, I noticed that the NSX '97 also increased it's position and it's now tailing me. I thought to myself, here, the challenge begins, the NSX definitely outclass the MR2 in everyway. It's Japan's supercar. So, the race is just starting now!



Lap 4:
The NSX '97 attempts to pass me on the straight. The both of us enter turn 2, I went in harder and managed to defend my position still. The two of us now is on battle mode while catching up with the WRX.



Lap 5:
At the start of Lap 5, the pole grids are still the same. And on turn 2, I took some late braking and took the inside and overtake the WRX. I kept it cool through the S-turns and make sure I didn't lose it and make any mistakes. I know the NSX 97 is fast, so I'll try to pick up my pace.



Lap 6-9:
I kept my pace and the NSX '97 overtakes the the WRX at Lap 8 and near the end of Lap 8 going into Lap 9, it's sheer power on the straight, it overtakes me. I try to regain the the pole position on turn 2 but fails. I kept a close distance through the S-turns and made my move on Turn 6.


Lap 10-18:
I continue on my pace and drive as smoothly as I could to increase the tyre life. From the first GV300 endurance race which I did with a lightened MR2, the tyres could last about 27 laps. So I expect to last about 25 at most due to the increased weight. Looking at the replay, I examined the tyre life of the NSX '97. To my surprise the NSX '97 tyres are lower than mine. In lap 10, the RX7 has over took the WRX for 3rd place and the NSX '01 is now on 5th place.

The NSX '01 overtook the WRX at lap 12 putting it on 4th place. On lap 13, I examined the fuel levels of all the cars on the grid and found something interesting. The fuel levels are slightly different, but especially mine. My fuel level is more than 3/4 full but everyone else has already gone past the 3/4 mark. And funny enough, the next gen car, the EVO X has the highest fuel consumption. The 2L NA MR2 which I'm driving is really efficient and the merits are showing.

At Lap 14, I took a closer look at tyres. The NSX '97 has the worst wear at the rear, already using up 1/2 it's threads and it's fronts still having 3/4 threads. I am really happy with the MR2 as it is able to wear both front and rear tyres evenly. Other cars which have even tyre wear are the WRX and 350Z with 3/4 threads left and the 300ZX with almost 1/2 threads left.

On Lap 15, the pair of NSXs is now behind me in my rear view mirror. The NSX '01 having about 1/2 threads left on it's tyres. I still had 3/4 threads. I kept the lead and set the pace. The Pair will gain on me on the last long straight and I noticed that the place to increase my lead is making a fast and quick sprint up the S-Turns (Turn 3, 4, 5). I continued this pattern for the next couple of laps.

On Lap 17, I noticed that the NSX '97 is starting to loose it. I took this opportunity to increase my pace and increase the Gap. By Lap 18, the gap is 5s and I left the two NSX brothers battling it out. The NSX '97 goes wide on turns 10 and 11, and it lookes like it's tyres are done for.



Lap 19-21:
I believed that if the NSX '01 passed the NSX '97, it would be on a better pace. It's tyres are about 1/2 way through. The NSX '97 is goes wide and slides but the NSX '01 didn't take the opportunity to pass him. (AI needs to be more aggresive!) And finally, the NSX '97 pits at the end of Lap 20.

Now that the stumbling block is gone, at Lap 21 the NSX 01 is now free! But the RX7 took the dive into turn the turn and take 2nd place. The two cars tyres are pretty even with the NSX having a slight edge with it's rear threads.
The NSX '97 exits the pits onto position 7.



Lap 22-30:
I'm on Lap 22 and I still had a lof of life on my tyres. My smooth driving is paying off. At Lap 23, the NSX '01 catches the slipstream of the RX7 and overtakes it. I examined the tyre wear again. It lookes like the WRX is the only one having similar wear, sitting at 1/2 threads Front and Rear.

The tyres of the RX7 is really low now and cannot keep the same pace as the NSX sliding on turn 10 (Lap 24) and decides to pit on Lap 24. The Z34 pits with new tyres and fuel as well. The WRX now takes 3rd position.

At Lap 26, the gap between me and the NSX '01 is now 10s. And at the end of that lap, the NSX '01 pits and the 300ZX pits as well. The NSX '01 re-enters the race in position 6. There isn't any competitor for me at the moment, so we'll look at the rest of the grid. The R33 and Z33 roadster has been battling out for a long time already for position 10. At Lap 27, the NSX '97 catches the WRX and passes it at Lap 28 at turn 2. Now the NSX '97 is on 2nd position and is closing the 20 second gap between me and him. At lap 29, he managed to decrease the gap to 15 seconds.

I tried my best on the tyres I have left but the gap kept closing in. I've gone past the my expectation of the tyre life, and decides to pit on lap 30. My tyres are less than 1/4 on the left tyres and 1/4 on the right tyres. There are more right hand turns causing the left outside tyres to wear out more on GVS.

My lap now is 2:19s while the top lap runners are the two NSXs and the RX7 with 2:14s. I go into the pits at the end of Lap 30.


Lap 31:
I just pitted for tyres only, and as I come out of the pits, I get caught in traffic, putting me in 4th place. The 300ZX is also there being lapped once by the NSX 01 (Pos 3), WRX (Pos 2) and NSX 97 (Pos 1) in front of me. I passed the 300ZX with no issues and followed the pack in front of me. My tyres haven't warm up yet and the handling is not super sharp. So I decided to follow their pace and wait till the tyres warm up.

Coming out of turn 12, I managed to catapult out into the short straight, but with the lack of horsepower, I couldn't overtake any of them. But some quick line changing, I managed to take the NSX '01 on the outside and passed him coming out of turn 13.



Lap 32:
Going into Lap 32, the long straight, I manged to catch the slip stream of the WRX and I my speed increased gradually, ready to overtake the WRX. The NSX '01 behind me also caught my slip stream and had the same idea. I took the WRX's right hand side while the NSX '01 takes the left hand side. The NSX '01 had more horsepower and overpowered me and the WRX.


I on the other hand was on the inside line into turn 2. I look the risk and made it an exciting battle, the highlight of the race! Making the turn, drifting and defending the corner! And after turn 2, the NSX '01 still won't give up, and the battle continues on the S-Turns.


I came out on top and I knew once I got the corner of 6 covered, I should be fine if I can hold it together on the next series of turns, so I kept my cool and drove smoothly and safely, minimizing my risk taking.


Lap 33-39:
The battle between me and the NSX continues. While all this is happening, the NSX '97 is cruising on 1st place with a gap of 25s ahead. During this lap the RX7 also overtakes the WRX taking 3rd. The WRX has quite worn out tyres by now. Going into the further laps. The battle between the MR2 and NSX '01 is as heated as it can be. The NSX '01 catchs me on the straights and I have to increase the gaps in the corners.

Every lap, we are decreasing the NSX '97's gap by 2.5s. And knowing it's pattern, it should be pitting on Lap 40. On Lap 35 the 97 NSX goes wide and losses time, and I was able to gain more time on it. My personal goal was to catch the NSX '97 before his next pit.

And finally at the start of Lap 38, I could see the end of the NSX '97. And at the end of Lap 38, I was within overtaking distance. I followed the NSX '97 closely and caught it's slipstream and waited for an opening. The opportunity arised at the S-Turns and I took it.



Lap 40-50:
Again the NSX '97 held the NSX '01 back until it pitted at the end of Lap 40. From now, I decided to go all out and push my car all the way. My plan is to pit on Lap 50.

By Lap 47, I've increased the gap to 17s (between me, MR2 and the NSX '01). And when I pitted, the gap was 21s. I went only for tyres. I didn't fuel up at all in this whole race!



Lap 51-60:
I come out of the pit at position 3, with the NSX brothers in front of me. NSX '97 (Pos 2), NSX '01 (Pos 1). I took it slow and patient as the tyres were still cold. And at the end of Lap 51, the NSX '01 pits!? So there really isn't any more competition. I clocked the best lap of 2:13.139 at Lap 52. And made the final pass on the NSX '97 at turn 10 on Lap 53.


I burn everything I can to try to set a best lap but that was the best I could do. I was pretty tired also, getting old, haha. I didn't take a break at all in this race, so it's pretty good. I enjoyed it and went on to be first in the end.



Race Results & Best Lap:
1. Toyota MR2 G-Limited '97
2:17:24.633 [2:13.139]
2. Honda NSX '97
+24.390 [2:13.157]
3. Honda NSX '01
+27.205 [2:12.655]
4. Mazda éfini RX-7 Type RZ (FD) '96
[2:13.332]
5. Nissan Fairlady Z (Z34) '08
[2:14.460]
6. Subaru IMPREZA Sedan WRX STi Version VI '99
[2:14.907]
7. Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X GSR P.P. '07
[2:16.497]
8. Nissan 350Z Gran Turismo 4 Limited Edition (Z33) '05
-1 Lap [2:17.457]
9. Nissan SKYLINE GT-R V•spec (R33) '95
-1 Lap [2:17.815]
10. Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IV GSR '96
-1 Lap [2.17:359]
11. Nissan 300ZX 2by2 (Z32) '98
-2 Laps [2:18.047]
12. Nissan Fairlady Z Roadster (Z33) '03
-2 Laps [2:18.530]


Conclusion
It was really fun, this race. And I learnt a lot of things. And I'm really happy that I could place first place with a handling tuned NA MR2. Makes me really happy as the MR2 is my dream car and one which I drive the most.

I hope you enjoyed this write-up as much as I enjoyed writing it.

Great write up! I really enjoyed the play by play, it was very well written. And it's great to see another MR2 love, there really under appreciated cars.

Thanks! I tried another two cars onto the GV300 endurance but couldn't finish it due to real life commitments. haha... But I'll try again! stay tuned for more write ups... when I have the time!

Race 3: GVS 300km, Spoon Integra Type R (DC2) '99

This is the second time I drove took the Spoon Integra to GVS 300km. The first time, I didn't finish the race, but I've got a feel of how it would be. I'll like to take the Integra to be a rival of the MR2 and see how it would pit against it. And the results are somehow interesting.

The Track:


Car:

Spoon Integra Type R (DC2) '99

Specs:
FF / 228BHP / 1080kg / 426PP / S3 / all aids off except ABS=1

Race Grid:
1. Nissan Fairlady Z 300ZX Ver.S TT 2seater (Z32) '98
FR / 281HP / 1520kg / ???PP / S3
2. Infiniti G35 Coupe '06
FR / 303HP / 1598kg / 447PP / S3
3. Nissan Silvia spec-R AERO (S15) '02
FR / 250HP / 1240kg / 433PP / S3
4. Mazda RX-7 Type RS (FD) '98
FR / 300HP / 1280kg / ???PP / S3
5. Subaru Legacy Touring Wagon GT-B '96
4WD / 289HP / 1430kg / 425PP / S3
6. Nissan 300ZX 2seater (Z32) '98
FR / 281HP / 1520kg / 429PP / S3
7. Spoon Integra Type R (DC2) '99
FF / 228BHP / 1080kg / 426PP / S3
8. Nissan Skyline Coupe 350GT '03
FR / 281HP / 1530kg / ???PP / S3
9. Toyota Celica GT-FOUR (ST205) '98
4WD / 256HP / 13090kg / 416PP / S3
10. Toyota Supra RZ '97
FR / 342HP / 1510kg / 462PP / S3
11. Subaru IMPREZA Sedan WRX STi Version VI '99
4WD / 281HP / 1310kg / 444PP / S3
12. Mitsubishi GTO Twin Turbo MR '95
4WD / 281HP / 1680kg / 446PP / S3


Lap 1:
From my undocumented race with the Spoon DC2, the plan is to go all out in the beginning. As later in the race, I will suffer a disadvantage, which will caused me to fall behind. So from the start, here I go. The handling of the Spoon DC2 is super sharp. The car responded with all my actions and moved beautifully.

On turn 2, I passed the 300ZX and went head to head with the Legacy onto the S-Curves. Then I got stuck on the inside line into turn 6. I could only pass the RX7 coming out of the tunnel at turn 12. And passing the S15 on the short straight on the bridge. Going into Lap 2, that's when I took 2nd by passing the G35.



Lap 2:
On Lap 2, I increased my pace. The DC2 handling is incredible. I have pitted this DC2 on Tsukuba against the MR2 and it produced a slightly better time (comparision done on Sport Hard Tyres). On this lap, I caught the 300ZX leader and passed him.



Lap 3-21:
I kept on the pace and wow, does the front tyres wear out quickly. At the start of Lap 8, I start to lose grip on the fronts. And by Lap 15, I start to experience a lot of understeering, and I have to brake early for many of the turns. The Understeering is really apparent and shows in the tight corners
By Lap 19, I had to short shift to prevent the tyres from spinning. I am already understeering under braking.



Lap 22:
And near the end of Lap 22, onto the long straight, the RX7 easilly passes me. I couldn't even block, not enough grip to change directions and block the RX7s Line.



Lap 23-24:
I tried to keep up into Lap 23 but my front tyres were already toasted and had to pit at the end of Lap 23. It was understeering all the way, I couldn't accelerate and pull. It goes under even on acceleration.



Lap 25-38:
Coming out of the pits, I'm sitting at position 2. And I went all out to catch the RX7, and caught it at Lap 30 and passed it. Here, I decided to go for a 3 pit stop strategy instead of a 2 pit stop. Realisticaly speaking, I don't have much choice, the DC2 is really a chore to drive after 10 laps. So I planned to go into the pits on Lap 40 and Lap 50. I had to do hard driving to make up the difference in time when doing the additional pitstop, which is about 30 seconds. I had no choice to pit by lap 38 as the time gap between checkpoints is getting closer, which means the RX7 is catching up.



Lap 39-49:
There is nothing much to be said here, as I am going all out for another 10 laps before the next pitstop. During the replay, I actually went out of my house and went to refuel my real car and bought some ice-cream home at the drive thru and enjoyed it at home.


Lap 50-60:
This is an additional pit, and out of the pits, I just went all the way to finish the race. The driving pleasure for the DC2 is only good for the first 8 laps with the new tyres, before it looses it's sharp edge handling. Then it becomes hard and really unenjoyable to drive.


Race Results & [Best Lap]:
1. Spoon Integra Type R (DC2) '99
2:18:52.922 [2:13.371]
2. Mazda RX-7 Type RS (FD) '98
[2:15.147]
3. Subaru IMPREZA Sedan WRX STi Version VI '99
[2:15.664]
4. Nissan Silvia spec-R AERO (S15) '02
[2:17.552]
5. Nissan Skyline Coupe 350GT '03
[2:17.455]
6. Nissan Fairlady Z 300ZX Ver.S TT 2seater (Z32) '98
[2:18.023]
7. Toyota Supra RZ '97
[2:17.869]
8. Nissan 300ZX 2seater (Z32) '98
-1 Lap [2:18.851]
9. Mitsubishi GTO Twin Turbo MR '95
-1 Lap [2:20.124]
10. Subaru Legacy Touring Wagon GT-B '96
-1 Lap [2:20.628]
11. Infiniti G35 Coupe '06
-1 Lap [2:22.107]
12. Toyota Celica GT-FOUR (ST205) '98
-1 Lap [2:21.188]


Conclusion:
You won't believe it but I had to call it a pretty boring race. I can't really believe that I finished it as well. Due to the nature of the competition as well as the FF layout, I had to do an additional pitstop. And with that, I must place my gap above the second place at least about 30 seconds + to compensate for the pitstop duration. I only saw the RX7 twice in the whole race after the first lap, where he over took me, and I over took him later. It's been a race against the checkpoints, to make sure it doesn't gain on me.

No matter how good the Integra is, it just can't compete with the MR2 in my book. Seemed if the front tires agreed with me as well!

Well, in Best Motoring International, the G-Limited lost to the DC2. It's interesting.

I've finished the 4th Race but I forgot to save the replay!!! It's one of the best races... but I'll still write it up. haha... It's a real shame.

Race 4: GVS 300km, Lexus IS 200 '98

Man, I forgot to save the replay again! But this is one good race!

The Track:


Car:

Lexus IS 200 '98

Specs:
FR / 213BHP / 1310kg / 409PP / S3 / all aids off except ABS=1
[RLT-GXE10-SS-TTE.I]

Race Grid:
1. Subaru IMPREZA Sedan WRX STi spec C '04
4WD / S3
2. Mazda Mazdaspeed Atenza '05
FF / S3
3. Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X GSR P.P '07
4WD / S3
4. Nissan SKYLINE Coupe 350GT '03
FR / S3
5. Nissan Silvia spec-R AERO (S15) '02
FR / S3
6. Mitsubishi GTO Twin Turbo MR '95
4WD / S3
7. Lexus IS 200 '98
FR / 213BHP / 1310kg / 409PP / S3
8. Nissan Fairlady Z Version S (Z33) '07
FR / S3
9. Nissan SKYLINE GT-R V•Spec II (R32) '94
4WD / S3
10. Nissan 300ZX 2by2 (Z32) '98
FR / S3
11. Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IV GSR '96
4WD / S3
12. Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII GSR '03
4WD / S3

Lap 1-22:
At the first two laps, I over took everyone except for the first place leader, the Spec C. I know that he will be fast but I didn't expect it to be this fast. I am on par with the Spec C at Sectors 1 and 2, within less than 1s margin, but at sector 3, the Spec C is faster by 2 to 3 seconds. I was maxing out my top speed of 205km at the long straight. But the 205km is at the end of the straight, running into turn 2.

Maybe I'll continue to race to see how it is. Lap 8, I can see someone catching up to me. And at Lap 12, I can see the spec of Evo X in my rear view mirror. I continued on and see how long the tyres can last.

At Lap 17 the Evo X overtakes me for second place. Now I tried to keep up with it and was able to keep up till Lap 19. At Lap 19, the understeering is becoming obvious. I decided to go for this pit strategy. 21 Laps, 20 Laps, 19 Laps. So I'll have to make 2 stops and that'll maximise the tyres through the race.


Lap 22-41:
I come out of the pits in Position 8. I wasted no time and went full on. I caught the batch of cars at lap 24. I overtook the 350Z for 7th place at the tight turns and managed to take 6th by overtaking the R32 when coming out of the bridge tunnel. The R32 didn't give in so easily and attempted to take me on Lap 25's turn 2. I successfully defended the position.

By Lap 27, I caught the S15 and overtake it at turns 7-8. And Overtake the Skyline Coupe at the bridge, it was a close call, I took the outside and almost knocked into the edge of the merging bridge! Again no PICS!

At Lap 29, I overtake the Evo VIII at the tight turns. Oh, he is the last place guy I think.At Lap 34, I am producing an average lap of about 2:18s. I also overtake the Mazda Atenza, the nex car I will lap once. And by Lap 35, I caught the Evo X, but it went into the pits at the end of the lap. My strategy was to pit at lap 41. So I did some smooth driving to let the tyres last till then.

At lap 39, I somehow lost some concentration and knocked into a wall, I quickly got back into the track and moved on. And again, at Lap 41, I entered turn 6 too quickly and went into the edge of the same but I quickly recovered as well.


Lap 42-49
I got out of the pits and am at Position 6. I wasted no time to pick up the pace and accelerate all the way. By Lap 43 I caught the 3 cars trailing in front of me, 350Z (5), Skyline Coupe (4), S15 (3).

I passed the 350Z through the tight turns and (4) at the tunnel. By lap 49, I am sitting at 3rd position. Now it made the race interesting, cause everytime I passed the checkpoint, it records the distance between me and the 1st place leader. So I had no idea if I'm gaining on the 2nd place Evo X or not. All I could make out from is through the mini map. But it seems that I am gaining just a little bit each time. I had 10 laps to catch him. I have caught him the last round before he pitted, so I think it's possible.


Lap 50-57
Though Lap 54, I start to notice a car catching up, I thought, oh no, it must be the 4th place car. There's nothing I can do anymore, I had already went for my last pit, my plan was to catch the Evo X. As the laps progressed, I can now tell what car it is, it's a white Subaru. It's really quick and tries to pass me. By Lap 55, it's on my tail, All I could do is to block it. I successfully blocked it at the long straight, it's really intense and the battle is gonna get more intense. I could widen the gap through the S-turns but and the Subaru will catch up on the straights, I managed again to block him on Lap 56. I saw that there's 5 laps to go, maybe I can block him till the end. Then the race continued. I didn't have time to worry about 2nd place now, the Evo X, seem like a long way away now.

At Lap 57, I continued my strategy of blocking the Subaru, but I guess the Subaru AI got fed up and actually pushed me and I spun out. I thought, wow! And I quickly recovered, seeing the other car behind the Subaru, a 300ZX. I quickly accelerate to catch up. Then I saw my position, it's still sitting at position 3. Which made me realise. That the Subaru is the Spec C STi, ever since the start of the race, I didn't have an opportunity to see that car at all. And the 300ZX was probably someone which I have lapped once.

I wished I had save the replay to get all the goooooodddy pics. But, what's done is done.


Lap 58-60:
Even when I planned for the tyres to last 19 laps. The tyres were skidding more by lap 59. It must be due to the intense battle lap (Lap 54-57) where I used all the grip I had to defend my lines from the Subaru. I cross the finish line at position 3.


Race Results & [Best Lap]:
1. Subaru IMPREZA Sedan WRX STi spec C '04
2:18:19.597
2. Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X GSR P.P '07
+2:03.247
3. Lexus IS 200 '98
+2:52.786 [2:16.099]
4. Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII GSR '03
+2:54.404
5. Nissan Silvia spec-R AERO (S15) '02
+3:18.931
6. Nissan Fairlady Z Version S (Z33) '07
+3:24.454
7. Nissan SKYLINE GT-R V•Spec II (R32) '94
+3:24.045
8. Nissan SKYLINE Coupe 350GT '03
+3.32.187
9. Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IV GSR '96
-2 Laps
10. Nissan 300ZX 2by2 (Z32) '98
-2 Laps
11. Mitsubishi GTO Twin Turbo MR '95
-2 Laps
12. Mazda Mazdaspeed Atenza '05
-2 Laps


Conclusion:
My fastest lap is 2:16.099 at Lap 6. And I didn't have to go for any petrol again. But it's really close to empty. Even though it's not for the top position, the race was still really good. The sense of racing with the second class tier makes it interesting this time.

Bad luck, TimberW. Ever thought of trying other enduros?

I've thought about it. I don't have that much time to do longer ones and I like to do low powered cars. I've got an idea and might try that in the future. Will keep you guys posted.

Thanks for dropping by!